Mehbooba Mufti Offers Support to Congress-NC Alliance in Jammu and Kashmir Elections
Srinagar (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], August 26: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti announced on Sunday that her party is willing to support a Congress-National Conference (NC) alliance in the upcoming Jammu and Kashmir elections, provided they accept the PDP’s agenda.
Mufti stated, “The people of Jammu and Kashmir have given an answer to the BJP government from the Lok Sabha polls that there are issues in Jammu and Kashmir and by removing Article 370, it has become more complicated… Whenever we allied with any party we had a motive, an agenda—what we have to do… That’s why I said that if they (Congress) are ready to accept our agenda, we are ready to support them.”
Earlier, on August 24, Mufti remarked that the upcoming assembly election in Jammu and Kashmir is not about statehood or seat sharing but a “bigger goal.” During a press conference to launch the PDP manifesto, she said, “For me, this election (upcoming Assembly elections in J-K) is not about statehood or seat sharing… We have a bigger goal… We are fighting for dignity, for resolution.”
She further noted that alliances and seat sharing “are distant considerations” and indicated that if the National Conference and Congress are willing to adopt her agenda, she would support them, as “solving the problem of Kashmir is more important than anything else.”
In their election manifesto, the PDP promised efforts to restore Articles 370 and 35A, initiate diplomatic dialogues between India and Pakistan, and ensure the dignified return of Kashmiri Pandits to the valley.
Notably, in the 2014 Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir, the PDP won 28 seats, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) won 25, the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference won 15, and the Congress won 12. The PDP and BJP formed a coalition government led by Mufti Mohammed Sayeed. However, in 2018, the BJP withdrew its support from the alliance after Mehbooba Mufti took over following Mufti Mohammed Sayeed’s demise.
Polling in Jammu and Kashmir will be conducted in three phases on September 18, 25, and October 1, according to the Election Commission of India. The counting of votes will take place on October 4. These are the first assembly elections to be held in Kashmir after the abrogation of Article 370.
Doubts Revealed
Mehbooba Mufti -: Mehbooba Mufti is a politician from Jammu and Kashmir. She is the leader of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). She has also served as the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir.
Congress-NC Alliance -: The Congress-NC Alliance is a partnership between two political parties in India: the Indian National Congress (Congress) and the National Conference (NC). They are working together for the elections in Jammu and Kashmir.
PDP -: PDP stands for People’s Democratic Party. It is a political party in Jammu and Kashmir, led by Mehbooba Mufti.
Articles 370 and 35A -: Articles 370 and 35A were special provisions in the Indian Constitution that gave special autonomy to Jammu and Kashmir. These articles were removed in 2019, and some people want them to be restored.
India-Pakistan dialogues -: India-Pakistan dialogues refer to talks and discussions between the governments of India and Pakistan. These talks aim to resolve issues and improve relations between the two countries.
Kashmiri Pandits -: Kashmiri Pandits are a group of people from the Kashmir Valley who had to leave their homes due to conflict and violence. Many of them want to return to their homeland.
Three phases -: Three phases mean that the elections will be held in three different parts or stages. This helps in managing the process better and ensuring security.
